Disability Support Services

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Mercer University is committed to providing qualified students with disabilities an equal opportunity to access a Mercer education through the provision of reasonable and appropriate accommodations and support services.
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (504) and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) prohibit discrimination against individuals with disabilities. According to these laws, no otherwise qualified individual with a disability will, solely by reason of his/her disability, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity offered by an educational institution receiving federal funding.
With respect to post-secondary educational services, "otherwise qualified" means "a person who meets the academic and technical standards requisite to admission or participation in the educational program or activity whether with or without reasonable modifications to rules, policies or practices; the removal of architectural, communication or transportation barriers; or the provision of auxiliary aids and services." A lowering of academic program standards or the elimination of identified essential elements of a curriculum are not required by either law.
All students, regardless of level or program, must be "registered" with Disability Support Services on either the Macon or Atlanta campus before any requests for disability accommodations can be granted. This policy is in place to protect the rights of both the student and the institution.

Disability Support Services on Macon Campus (NEW LOCATION Near Elevator)

For more information on how a student with a disability can request academic or campus housing accommodations for a disability, contact the Disability Services Coordinator, Carole Burrowbridge, at (478) 301-2778, by fax at (478) 301-2127 or by email at burrowbrid_c@mercer.edu . As of January 2008, Disability Support Services will be located in the Connell Student Center near the elevator on the third floor. On the ground level, the elevator is located next to the ATM and stairwell near the Office of Admissions. Students with hearing impairments may reach us through the GA Relay Service TTD at (800) 255-0056. Alternative format materials are available upon request.

Contacts for Atlanta, Regional Centers, Professional or Graduate Students

If you require accommodations on the Atlanta, Douglas or Henry Campus - Contact: Rich Stilley in Atlanta at (678) 547-6104.

Macon CCPS, Eastman, Graduate Students and Professional Students - Contact your Dean or Carole Burrowbridge at (478) 301-2778

All newly admitted students needing accommodations are encouraged to contact the Disability Support Services Coordinator as soon as they know that they will be attending Mercer University.

Registering and Requesting Services

All student disability accommodation requests must be submitted to Disability Services by the student (if age 18 or older).
Housing Accommodation requests must be submitted prior to the Housing Contract deadline or may be denied.
Accommodations for temporary disabilities may be provided on a case-by-case basis depending on severity, impact and duration.
As required by law, students requiring accommodations for a disability must initially self-identify as a student with a disability by registering with Disability Support Services (DSS). Only students who are registered with DSS will be eligible for accommodations and recognized by the institution as a student with a disability. Accommodations are approved by the Disability Support Services Coordinator on a case-by-case basis and may require additional or updated medical documentation to be submitted.
Registering with Disability Support Services consists of: 1) submitting appropriate documentation verifying the presence of a disability and its current impact, 2) meeting with the Disability Support Services Coordinator to review procedures and request accommodations, and 3) the approval of specific accommodations by the Disability Support Services Coordinator.
The Registration process should be completed in a timely manner to allow adequate time for accommodation arrangements to be made.
Documentation for most disabilities consists of a recent formal letter of diagnosis from an appropriate medical professional or psychologist and should include a diagnosis, current impairments in functioning, and recommendations for specific accommodations to reduce the impact of the impairment. Some types of disabilities may require that diagnostic test results be submitted in addition to a letter of diagnosis. Specific documentation requirement are available upon request. In some instances, a diagnosed medical, psychological, or learning disorder will not be considered a disability and accommodations may be denied.
Accommodations are determined on a case-by-case basis and must be supported by appropriate documentation. Additional or updated documentation may be required in order to receive specific or ongoing accommodations. An accommodation may denied even if it has been recommended by an appropriate medical profession or has been granted by another agency or institution in the past. Provisional accommodations may be provided for up to one semester in cases where the documentation submitted is determined to be out-of-date, incomplete or otherwise insufficient.
In order to receive accommodations during a semester, the student will be required to obtain a Faculty Accommodation Form from DSS, discuss their approved accommodations with each professor during office hours, and return the signed form to the DSS office in a timely manner. Students are responsible for clarifying and planning their accommodations with each of their individual professors.
If the faculty member is unable to provide the approved accommodations, Disability Support Services will provide the accommodations if given sufficient advance notice. The provider of the accommodated testing should be indicated by the faculty member on the Faculty Accommodation Form, and the form returned to Disability Support Services in a timely manner.
It is highly recommended that a Faculty Accommodation Form be completed within the first week or two of each semester by all students registered with DSS, regardless of whether or not the student intends to utilize any or all of the services/accommodations. Even if accommodations are not expected to be needed for a particular class, the Faculty Accommodations Form should be used to inform professors of your status as a student with a disability.
Students who need alternate formatted texts, other specialized services or require specialized housing, should initially contact Disability Support Services as soon as they accept the invitation to attend Mercer. For subsequent semesters, communicate academic needs as soon as you know your class schedule.
Alternate formatted textbook materials should be requested at least 4-6 weeks prior to the start of each semester.
Interpreter requests should be made as soon as you know your class schedule for the upcoming term.
Failure to submit requests in a timely manner may result in delays in receiving your needed accommodations or the denial of the request.
Testing accommodation requests submitted less than 7 days in advance of the date of the exam or quiz (14 days for final exams) may be denied.
All accommodated testing arrangements including time, date and auxiliary aids (computer, interpreter, etc.) should be confirmed by the student with the instructor (and DSS if the test is to be taken at DSS) a week before each test date.

Testing Reservation Form(DOC)

Disability Housing Accommodation Requests

All requests for disability housing accommodations must be submitted to Disability Support Services (DSS) for review prior to regular Housing Contract deadlines.

If you have a temporary disability or one that is diagnosed after the deadline or during a semester, contact DSS as soon as possible. .

Students requesting housing accommodations are required to register with DSS and submit a completed Disability Housing Request Form before their request will be reviewed. All requests will be reviewed by both Disability Support Services and Residence Life to determine if the request will be granted. The required Housing Accommodation Request Form can be obtained from Disability Support Services or downloaded below.

All accommodations are determined on a case-by-case basis and will only be considered for students with physical, medical, psychological or sensory disabilities that are appropriately documented. Single rooms are not granted as an accommodation for disabilities that primarily impact studying since there are alternative quiet study locations on campus.

Students with special dietary needs that are not considered disabilities include: meat-free diets, low sodium or low cholesterol diets, low sugar diets, reduced calorie diets, lactose free diets and non-life-threatening food allergies. Students with these restrictions should contact the Director of Food Services to discuss their specific needs. Students will severe food allergies, celiac disease, anorexia or other severe or possibly life-threatening GI, immune or eating disorders should first discuss their dietary needs with the Director of Food Services, Ed Davis, who can be reached at 478-301-2925 to see if he can meet their needs for a special diet. Our Food Services are managed by Aramark, a national company that provides dining services to students across the nation. Ed and Aramark can usually meet the need for a special diet or special food preparation that is documented as being medically necessary. They are encouraged to contact Disability Support Services to discuss medically necessary dietary accommodations that may require either Housing Accommodations or Classroom Accommodations.

As a rule, disability related requests to void an existing housing contract or to be exempt from Freshman or Sophomore Housing will not be granted.

Requests for Disability Housing Accommodations should be resubmitted annually in the Spring by the contract deadlines set by Housing and Residence Life.

Disability /Housing and Res. Life Request Form (DOC)

Student Responsibilities

Identify yourself as a student needing accommodations for a disability by contacting the Disability Services Coordinator.
Provide appropriate documentation verifying the disability. This may be brought to the meeting with the coordinator or faxed or mailed prior to the meeting. We are better able to help students if students provide us with adequate and recent documentation of their disability.
Meet with the Coordinator to review documentation and to request accommodations.
Identify yourself to faculty members by meeting with them to discuss the Faculty Accommodation Form provided by the Disability Services Coordinator in a timely manner. Discuss the details of who will be providing the needed accommodations (the professor or Disability Support Services). Obtain the faculty member's signature on the Accommodation form and return it to the Coordinator.
Obtain you advisor's signature on the Faculty Accommodation Form in order to let them know that you are a student with a disability.
Return the completed Faculty Accommodation Form and a copy of your class schedule to Disability Support Services in a timely manner.
Meet with Disability Services Coordinator periodically to discuss changes in needed accommodations, progress and concerns.
Communicate with your professors, attend class, and provide timely notification of your accommodation needs to your professors.
Work with any government (Vocational Rehabilitation or the VA) or private agencies/professionals who provide additional resources for documentation, financial aid, technology or accommodation needs.
Notify the Coordinator of any difficulties in securing needed accommodations or any changes in your needs.
Submit testing accommodation needs to the Disability Services Coordinator a week in advance of any exam or class requiring accommodations to ensure that accommodations can be arranged. If the professor has agreed to provide testing accommodations, the specific needs, such as a separate room, should be confirmed with the professor at least a week before each exam.
Submit requests for alternative text, captioning or interpreters as soon as early as possible or when you register for a class or event. Provide the Coordinator with your schedule, syllabi, textbook information, event information or video information early enough to permit arrangements or materials to be obtained. Failure to give notice or provide detailed information may result in your accommodations being delayed or your request being denied.
Notify the professor and Disability Services as soon as possible of any changes in your needs. Additional medical documentation may be required.
Notify the Disability Support Services office by email of any cancellations or changes at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled time of the accommodation. This applies to accommodations for tests, interpreting services, CART services, C-Print services, lab aides or other specialized services or technology related to academic classes, events or labs. For non-academic events such as commencement or admissions, contact the office sponsoring the event to schedule or cancel accommodations. Disability Support Services may assist you in contacting the appropriate office.

Weekly Planner (doc)

Tips for Success

Sit in front of the class in close proximity to the teacher.
School is your job - Go to all your classes. Be on time. Be prepared. Be respectful of others.
Study with a classmate or group to get clarification and support.
If you have been approved for a notetaker, pick-up a notebook from DSS and ask your professor for assistance in finding a classmate who takes good notes. Take notes yourself to remain attentive and involved in the learning process.
Privately discuss the impact of your disability and appropriate accommodations with your instructor at the beginning of each semester, before each test or as needed.
Meet with your instructor during office hours to discuss academic problems. He or she may be able to explain an unfamiliar concept, refer you to a tutor, or be willing to meet with you more regularly.
Find a quiet study area away from televisions, computers, cell phones and friends.
Schedule short "stretch" breaks every 30 to 60 minutes during studying.
Schedule time studying throughout the day. Study first and socialize later.
Plan a realistic schedule. If reading or writing is a problem, do not schedule too many of these types of classes during the same semester.
Request audio-books or alternative print from DSS or use reading software such as Readplease available on the web.
Work with Disability Support Services or the Academic Resource Center to find out how you learn most effectively.
Using flash cards or highlighting notes in different colors for different types of information may be helpful. Try using an approach that best suits your learning style.
Schedule a well-balanced day and week. Plan fun activities, get enough sleep, exercise and eat right.
When a class is difficult or you are getting behind, seek out the Academic Resource Center or contact Disability Support Services.
Help for test anxiety, stress management strategies and personal and group counseling are available through the Counseling Center (CAPS) located in Linden House.
Contact the Student Health Center if you require medical or psychological services for an acute or chronic medical condition.
Take all medication only as prescribed by your doctor and get refills in a timely manner.

Faculty Responsibilities (Macon and Eastman Campuses) Disability Support Services (PPT)

Include the following "Disability Statement" on all course syllabi.

“Students requiring accommodations for a disability should inform the instructor at the close of the first class meeting or as soon as possible. If you are not registered with Disability Services, the instructor will refer you to the Disability Support Services Office for consultation regarding documentation of your disability and eligibility for accommodations under the ADA/504. In order to receive accommodations, eligible students must provide each instructor with a “Faculty Accommodation Form” from Disability Services. Students must return the completed and signed form to the Disability Services Coordinator on the 3^rd floor of the Connell Student Center. Students with a documented disability who do not wish to use academic accommodations are also strongly encouraged to register with Disability Services and complete a Faculty Accommodation Form each semester. For further information, please contact Carole Burrowbridge, Disability Services Coordinator, at 301-2778 or visit the website at http://www.mercer.edu/disabilityservices (1/08)

Faculty Guide and Syllabus Statement - MCN (DOC)

Faculty Guide and Syllabus Statement - ATL (DOC)

Meet with students requesting accommodations and discuss details of how accommodations will be made. ( i.e. will the professor be providing the accommodations or will Disability Support Services?) Discuss and sign the Faculty Accommodation Form that the student presents at the beginning of each semester and indicate who will provide testing accommodations. Make a copy of the form or note the approved accommodations for reference.
Provide reasonable accommodations that have been approved by Disability Support Services and are requested by the student for that class. Student accommodation needs will vary from class to class.
Make a good faith effort to provide a low-distraction environment and the approved amount of time for all accommodated exams. It is recommended that a "Do Not Disturb" sign be posted on the door of the room where the student takes a test.
Assist students with notetakers as an approved accommodations by helping to identifying a classmate as a notetaker.
Encourage students to use the Academic Resource Center and Disability Support Services when needed.
Contact the Disability Services Coordinator for support in providing necessary accommodations for students.

Notetaker Fact Sheet (DOC)

Resources for Faculty and Administrators from the University of Washington

Making Information Technology Accessible

Disability Support Services' Responsibilities

Meet with each student to review submitted disability documentation and review policies and procedures
Discuss and determine appropriate accommodations based upon the documented and reported needs of the student
Refer students to campus or community resources as needed
Supply Faculty Accommodation Form to each student for completion each semester
Facilitate accommodated exams and other accommodations for students with disabilities
Keep abreast of the laws and current court findings
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of technology, services and agency contacts for students with disabilities
Act as a liaison and a resource for the institution regarding disability laws, resources and services
Identify and request modifications to any inaccessible program or service
Serve as an advocate for students with disabilities
Review requests for disability related Student Housing Accommodations

Increase and Test Your Knowledge of the ADA at these sites:

ADA Basics Web Course

ADA Advocacy Game

Grievance Procedure

The ADA and Section 504 require that all programs and services be non-discriminatory and accessible to persons with disabilities and require students to comply with institutional documentation requirements, policies and procedures. If a student feels that he or she has been discriminated against or denied access because of a disability, the student should immediately contact the Disability Support Services Coordinator to discuss the situation. If the problem cannot be resolved or remediated within a reasonable amount of time, the student may present the complaint in writing to the DSS Coordinator. If within 5 working days, the problem has not been resolved, an appeal may be made to the Vice President of Student Affairs through the University’s Grievance Policies as outlined in the Mercer Student Handbook before applicable deadlines. If the student feels that the resolution offered through the Grievance Procedure continues to deny him or her equal access to an education, a complaint may be filed with the Department of Education Office of Civil Rights Disability Division within 120 days of the event.

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